The US Supreme Court on Thursday ended the pandemic-related eviction moratorium enacted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that was first issued in September 2020 and recently reinstated by the Biden administration. The latest order was set to end in October and only covered parts of the United States experiencing “substantial” and “high” transmission of the coronavirus, which was the majority of counties. The CDC first implemented the moratorium as a public health measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but last week’s Supreme Court ruling stated the CDC exceeded its authority with the temporary ban.
Renters behind on payment or facing eviction are encouraged to apply for rental assistance, consult legal counsel and learn about their rights in court. Rental assistance is available in every county. Renters in the 88 counties served by the NC HOPE program are strongly encouraged to apply to the program now. Renters in Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Johnston, Mecklenberg, New Hanover, Wake or Union counties. Registered members of Native American tribes should apply to their tribal government’s program.
If you are concerned about eviction or your landlord has already started eviction proceedings, please contact Legal Aid of NC at 1-866-219-5262 for assistance. You have the right to contest an eviction in court and you may be eligible for a free lawyer to help you. More legal aid providers can be found through state bar associations (associations of all attorneys in the state) and NAIP. Additional help for renters is available through the HUD Rental Housing Counseling and Eviction Prevention Program, including contact information for local housing counselors.
